Hi, I’m Abbey Vince

About me:

I’m so glad you’re here. Hi, I’m Abbey Vince,

I grew up in Long Beach, CA with my family, and later moved to Washington, D.C. to attend American University, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology. Being active has always been a huge part of who I am. I grew up swimming, playing soccer, running, and participating in Junior Lifeguards, and I started competing in triathlons at just nine years old. I competed nationally for 15 years until an injury invited me to slow down and reevaluate — a moment that shaped me in more ways than I expected.

Since 2018, I’ve had the privilege of working as an Ocean Lifeguard with the Long Beach Fire Department, and in 2022 I joined LA County Fire. Lifeguarding has been more than a job — it’s taught me how to stay steady in chaos, support people through high-stress moments, and lead with both confidence and care. I’ve also spent years teaching Junior Lifeguards and competing in surf lifesaving, which has taken me to national and international competitions — and even to South Africa multiple times to compete and volunteer as a lifeguard.

I completed my Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University in 2024 and trained at the California Family Institute in Costa Mesa. Opening my practice in the South Bay feels incredibly special to me. I’ve always loved this part of LA, and I’m so excited to build community here.

Becoming a therapist feels like coming full circle. I watched my grandma become a therapist in her 40s while raising four kids and having already lived through two previous careers. I saw firsthand how she helped so many people, and it left a lasting impression on me. I’ve always known that whatever I did in life, my purpose would be to help people. Every step — athletics, lifeguarding, school, the pauses and pivots — has pointed me here. And I’m truly so grateful to be able to walk alongside you in your therapeutic journey.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me in the ocean, in my garden, traveling, spending time with family and friends, or hanging out with my three dogs — Rey, Jam, and Bodhi.

I’m truly looking forward to getting to know you and walking with you in this work together.

A woman sitting on a beige sofa in a brightly lit living room with light green walls, sheer white curtains, a map on the wall, a white lamp, and a small clock on a side table.
A wet brown dog standing in shallow water, looking at the camera.
A fluffy white and brown dog sitting on grass in a garden, with purple and green plants in the background. The dog has a red collar with a bone-shaped tag and a toy ball with a stuffed animal in front of it.
A happy chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy sitting on sandy beach with its tongue out, looking at the camera.